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Episode 15

Episode 15 of 20

The team investigate cases where the reality of what viewers ended up with is very different from what they expected for their money.

Gloria Hunniford, Julia Somerville and Angela Rippon investigate cases where the reality of what viewers ended up with is very different from what they expected for their money.

Among the stories is that of the patients left with pain and discomfort from side effects of laser eye surgery that are showing no signs of wearing off. Does the ease with which such procedures are available mean people aren't getting enough information about potential risks?

Plus the small energy company with big ambitions - and a long list of unhappy customers, including one woman asked to pay a £30,000 monthly direct debit.

And, as pet owners reveal problems they have had after buying their animals online, the team asks if the rules need tightening.

45 minutes

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:02

    Kate Rusby

    The Village Green Preservation Society

Buying a Pet: Making the Right Decision

Buying a pet is a big commitment and if you and your family are considering buying a pet there are lots of factors that you need to take into consideration. PAAG (who featured in today’s episode) recommend carefully considering the decision before you welcome in a new pet into the family. They would advise that you:

  • Never buy a pet on impulse, think about how you are going care for your pet before you buy.
  • Know where your pet is going to live, do you have a local park nearby for walks, are there other animals in the neighbour who could scare your pet?
  • Are you able to care for your pet, do you work unsociable hours which means you aren’t able to look after them?
  • Are you able to afford your pet – think about vet bills, potential insurance costs, food and other things like toys and bedding.

If you do decide to buy a pet, they recommend considering contacting your local animal rescue or rehoming centre. There are thousands of healthy, loving animals of all ages throughout the UK who need a home. But there are a host of other elements to consider: 

  • Be sure you are knowledgeable about the pet you are interested in. Your local veterinary practice can provide advice on all aspects of a pet’s health and welfare.
  • In the case of puppies and kittens, insist on seeing the mother with the litter and judge the parents’ health and temperament. Check that the animal you are interested in is interacting with the mother.
  • You should have easy access to the litter and be able to play with them and handle them freely
  • Where appropriate make sure your chosen pet is old enough to leave its mother
  • Check that the facilities are clean, have adequate and appropriate bedding, toys and stimulation and that the animals appear alert and healthy
  • Visit your chosen pet regularly between the time of choosing and collection
  • Try to ensure that all relevant paperwork is available for inspection when you visit. 
  • Ask the advertiser for a written medical history of the animal which might include veterinary treatments such as vaccinations, neutering, micro-chipping and worming. 

For more information, head to the PAAG . also has plenty of valuable information to help you make an informed decision.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Gloria Hunniford
Presenter Angela Rippon
Presenter Julia Somerville
Executive Producer Rob Unsworth
Series Producer Sherry Knight

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